4 Business Software

What 4 Business Software does

4 Business Software NV (4BS) is a Belgian Managed IT Service Provider founded in 1993 and headquartered in Duffel, Belgium, with more than 30 IT and software experts serving over 1,800 active customers primarily in the Flanders region (Duffel, Mechelen, Antwerp, Lier) and, more recently, Brussels. The company operates as a one-stop-shop IT partner for three customer segments: small and medium enterprises (SMEs/KMOs), accounting and bookkeeping firms, and the food and fresh-produce sector (wholesalers, importers, exporters, auctions). 4BS's commercial model combines the resale, implementation, and ongoing support of third-party accounting and business software (Exact Online, WinBooks, Clearfacts, Codabox, Teamleader, Marcando, SRXP, Kyte) with proprietary software products (Mercaflux ERP and PartijRegistratie traceability for the food sector, eFactori e-invoicing) and a full managed-IT services stack (4BS Cloud hosting, 4BS Flex all-in IT packages, Secure4Device and Secure4U cybersecurity, VoIP, 24/7 support, and KMO-Portefeuille certified training).

The underlying technology base spans both third-party platforms and proprietary builds. The proprietary layer is concentrated in the food/fresh-produce vertical: Mercaflux provides purchasing, sales, real-time inventory, EDI messaging to retailers, consignment management, and iPad/PDA-enabled market sales; PartijRegistratie handles batch registration and traceability required for perishable goods. The managed-IT layer runs on the 4BS Cloud infrastructure, hosts WinBooks in the cloud, and offers Secure4Device (EDR, ransomware protection, automated backups, 24/7 SOC) and Secure4U (dark-web scanning, phishing simulations, Microsoft 365/Google Workspace protection) as subscription cybersecurity packages. Core integration capabilities cover Peppol e-invoicing (mandatory for Belgian B2B from January 2026), CODA bank-statement processing, and OCR-based invoice capture (WinBooks Virtual Invoice) for accounting automation. 4BS is the largest WinBooks distributor in Flanders with over 1,200 WinBooks clients and was named Exact Partner of the Year in 2023.

The business model is overwhelmingly subscription- and recurring-revenue weighted, with revenue streams from software license resale and implementation fees, monthly managed-service subscriptions (4BS Flex, Secure4Device, Secure4U, cloud hosting, VoIP), and licensed use of its proprietary food-sector software, supplemented by professional services revenue from training (subsidized via the KMO-Portefeuille scheme) and custom integration work. Go-to-market is sales-led and direct, supplemented by certified-channel-partner status with Exact and WinBooks, with on-site support coverage across Flanders and the newly expanded Brussels region following the December 2025 MCH Services acquisition and the planned March 2026 merger with Pacom and MCH Services. 4BS is a privately held NV under Belgian law (KBO BE0451 393 656) with no disclosed institutional investors, no public listing, and no disclosed revenue or funding rounds.

Name

4 Business Software

Legal name

4 Business Software NV

Website

https://4bs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

4 Business Software is a Belgian Managed IT Service Provider founded in 1993, serving over 1,800 SMEs, accounting firms, and food/fresh-produce businesses in Flanders with third-party software resale, proprietary food-sector software, managed IT, and cybersecurity subscriptions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Duffel

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Software Resale and Implementation: Resells and implements third-party accounting and business software including Exact Online, WinBooks, Clearfacts, Codabox, and related modules. Acts as official certified partner and reseller for these vendors.
2. Managed IT Services: Provides comprehensive IT outsourcing including IT as a Service, 4BS Flex (all-in IT packages), cloud desktops, cloud apps, VoIP telephony, and hardware procurement.
3. Custom Software Development: Develops proprietary software for the food and fresh produce sector including Mercaflux, PartijRegistratie, and eFactori. Also provides custom integrations and development services.
4. Training Services: Offers training on various software platforms including WinBooks and Exact Online, with KMO-Portefeuille subsidies available (30% for small businesses, 20% for medium businesses up to 7,500 EUR annually).
5. Cybersecurity Services: Provides cybersecurity solutions through Secure4Device and Secure4U packages, including monitoring, threat detection, and compliance services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

4 Business Software (4BS) is a Belgian managed IT service provider that combines software resale and implementation (Exact Online, WinBooks, Clearfacts, Codabox), proprietary sector software (Mercaflux, PartijRegistratie, eFactori), and managed IT services (4BS Flex, IT as a Service, 24/7 support, cloud hosting, VoIP, and cybersecurity packages Secure4Device and Secure4U) into a one-stop-shop offering for Belgian SMEs, accounting firms, and the food/fresh produce sector.

Product overview

4 Business Software (4BS) is a Belgian Managed IT Service Provider serving SMEs, accounting offices, and the food/fresh produce sector with over 30 years of experience. Rather than a single unified platform, 4BS operates as a portfolio of complementary offerings built around their IT services foundation. Their product portfolio spans three main categories: (1) Third-party accounting/ERP software reselling and services — including Exact Online (cloud ERP with accounting, commerce, production, and e-invoicing modules), WinBooks (Belgian accounting and logistics software, now part of Exact), Clearfacts (cloud accounting for accountants), Codabox (automated bookkeeping data), SRXP (expense management), and Kyte (e-invoicing integrated with Clearfacts); (2) Own-developed software for the food/fresh sector — Mercaflux (ERP for wholesale/retail fresh produce with inventory, pricing, EDI, and traceability), PartijRegistratie (batch/traceability), and eFactori (e-invoicing); and (3) IT services including cybersecurity products (Secure4Device, Secure4U), cloud infrastructure (Cloud Desktops, Cloud Apps with WinBooks in the cloud, VoIP), managed IT (IT as a Service, 4BS Flex all-in packages), 24/7 IT support, training (KMO-Portefeuille certified), and Peppol e-invoicing preparation. 4BS integrates with Microsoft 365, Teamleader, Dropbox, and builds custom integrations when existing solutions do not meet customer needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 4BS Flex: All-in IT packages for complete IT management
• Secure4Device
• Secure4U
• 4BS Cloud
• Mercaflux
• PartijRegistratie
• eFactori
• 4-FRESH

Products and services

• Mercaflux Proprietary ERP software for wholesalers, importers, exporters, and auction markets in the fresh produce and food sector (fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers). Covers purchasing, sales, real-time inventory management (including mobile), pricing with auction dial links, EDI messaging for retailers, empty item management, traceability, and iPad/PDA sales at markets.
• PartijRegistratie Proprietary batch/party registration and traceability software for the food and fresh produce sector, enabling traceability, inventory management, and process automation for wholesalers, importers, exporters, and auctions.
• eFactori Proprietary electronic invoicing tool for entrepreneurs and accountants, part of 4BS's digitalization and Peppol-readiness offerings.
• Secure4Device Proprietary cybersecurity package for devices and servers, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), ransomware protection, automated backups, and 24/7 SOC support.
• Secure4U Proprietary cybersecurity package focused on employee security, including dark web scanning, phishing simulations, Microsoft 365/Google Workspace cloud environment protection, and secure password management.
• 4BS Flex All-in managed IT package bundling hardware, software, support, security, and cloud services into a single monthly subscription for Belgian SMEs.
• IT as a Service Complete managed IT outsourcing offering covering hardware procurement, software management, remote and on-site support, and proactive system management, providing SMEs with a single contact point for all IT needs.
• 24/7 IT Support Round-the-clock IT support service developed for the food/fresh produce sector and businesses with irregular working hours, including remote and on-site support plus proactive system monitoring.
• Cloud Desktops Hosted virtual desktop infrastructure service providing secure remote access to company desktops and applications from any device, part of 4BS's cloud services portfolio.
• Cloud Apps (WinBooks in the Cloud) Cloud-hosted application delivery service including WinBooks in the cloud, providing businesses with hosted access to software without local installation, automated backups, and regular infrastructure maintenance.
• VoIP Telefonie Internet-based business telephony (VoIP) service enabling voice communication over the internet, part of 4BS's integrated IT services portfolio.
• Training / Opleidingen IT and software training services including WinBooks and Exact Online courses, delivered both in-person and customized, eligible for KMO-Portefeuille subsidies (small enterprises 30%, medium enterprises 20%, up to 7,500 EUR annually).
• E-facturatie / Peppol e-invoicing service Electronic invoicing service supporting Peppol e-invoicing standards, mandatory for B2B transactions in Belgium from January 2026, delivered through Exact Online and WinBooks integrations.
• Exact Online (resale and implementation) Resale, implementation, customization, and support services for Exact Online cloud ERP and accounting platform (modules: Boekhouden, Handel, Productie, Facture) offered by 4BS as Exact Partner of the Year 2023.
• WinBooks (resale and implementation) Resale, implementation, and support services for WinBooks Classic and WinBooks Logistics (Belgian accounting and logistics software, part of Exact group since October 2022), offered by 4BS as the largest WinBooks distributor in Flanders with more than 1,200 clients.
• Clearfacts (resale and implementation) Resale and implementation services for Clearfacts cloud accounting and pre-accounting platform targeted at accountants, bookkeeping offices, and SMEs.
• Codabox (resale and implementation) Resale and integration services for Codabox automated bookkeeping data service that imports invoices and financial data directly into accounting software.
• Marcando (B2B ordering platform) Resale and integration of Marcando B2B ordering platform with Exact Online Handel, enabling automated B2B commerce workflows.
• SRXP (Exact expense management) Resale and integration of Exact SRXP expense management module with Exact Online for seamless expense tracking, reporting, and approval workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• Users save an average of 73% of time previously spent on accounting processing with Exact Online
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• MCH Services & PacomstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026MCH Services (Brussels-based, acquired December 2025) and Pacom will merge with 4BS in March 2026. Extends 4BS service reach and customer base.
• MAB (Mutualiteit Van De Balie)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership with MAB for joint IT seminars in 2026 targeting accountants and business auditors. Practical seminars covering security, digitalization, and Peppol/e-invoicing topics.
• ExactcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial Exact Partner and reseller of Exact Online products including Exact Online Boekhouden (Accounting), Exact Online Handel (Commerce), Exact Online Productie (Production), and Exact SRXP expense management. Awarded Exact Partner of the Year 2023. Provides implementation, customization, and ongoing support for Exact Online solutions.
• WinBookscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLargest WinBooks distributor in Flanders with Gold partner status. Offers WinBooks Classic, WinBooks Logistics, WinBooks Virtual Invoice, WinBooks CODA, and WinBooks in the Cloud. Since October 2022, WinBooks is part of the Exact Group. 4BS continues to support all WinBooks packages.
• ClearfactscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial partner offering Clearfacts solutions for accounting and bookkeeping firms. Clearfacts provides cloud-based accounting software integrated with 4BS services.
• CodaboxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for Codabox digital mailbox solutions, enabling automated receipt of bank statements and accounting documents for Belgian businesses.
• TeamleaderminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCertified partner for Teamleader CRM and project management software.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Yuki (Visma): Online accounting platform owned by Visma targeting accountants and SMEs in Belgium and the Netherlands — overlaps with 4BS's accounting-software and bookkeeping-automation offerings on a regional level.
• delaware: Belgian IT consultancy with deep ERP, Microsoft, and managed services focus serving Belgian SMEs and mid-market firms — same customer profiles and software-stack ecosystem (Microsoft, ERP partners) as 4BS.
• Xplore Group: Belgian technology consultancy delivering ERP, cloud, and managed services to Belgian SMEs and mid-market companies across Belgium, comparable in scale and customer profile to 4BS.
• Cegeka: One of Belgium's largest IT services providers offering cloud, managed services, ERP and industry-specific software for Belgian SMEs and enterprises; the most direct large-scale comparison to 4BS's managed-IT-for-SMEs model.
• Cevi: Belgian IT provider focused on SMEs and the accountancy sector with software, cloud, and managed services; directly competes for the same Flanders SME and accounting-firm segment that anchors 4BS's revenue.

Broad incumbents

• Visma: Major Nordic/Benelux accounting, ERP and compliance software house with growing presence in Belgium through brands like Yuki, e-conomic and others; competes with Exact/WinBooks stack that 4BS resells.
• Exact: The Netherlands-based cloud ERP/accounting vendor whose Exact Online platform is 4BS's flagship offering, and which now also owns WinBooks. Broad incumbent in 4BS's core market; channel partner rather than direct competitor, but a strategic dependency.
• Sopra Steria Benelux: Large European IT services group with significant Benelux operations delivering ERP, cloud, and managed services to public and private sector — benchmark for the scale ceiling of an integrated IT/services business in the region.
• Unit4: European mid-market cloud ERP/finance software vendor with Belgian operations, providing accounting and financial management solutions directly competitive with Exact/WinBooks that 4BS implements.
• Wolters Kluwer: Global provider of accounting, compliance, and tax software with established Benelux products (e.g., AccountView-adjacent offerings) for SMEs and accountants — competes for the same accounting-firm software wallet as 4BS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 4 Business Software